fancy footwork & next step fund

Photos by Andrew Fassbender

Working on Fancy Footwork was an incredibly rewarding experience. As part of the sound team, I gained a deeper appreciation for the technical side of live performance and the collaboration required to bring a production to life. During my five years as a corps de ballet member at Colorado Ballet, I saw how Fancy Footwork creates opportunities for dancers beyond the stage. The Next Step Fund helped me cover a fall 2024 course at the University of Massachusetts, where I am pursuing a degree in Arts Management. That support kept me on track academically without needing to endure extra financial strain. Now, as I prepare to start my MBA this summer, I realize how much of an advantage this assistance has given me. Not having to cover that course cost has made graduate school a more manageable step. Programs like the Next Step Fund are essential in helping dancers transition into new careers while building on the skills developed throughout their performing careers.

- Alex Roy

The Next Step Fund was an invaluable resource during my transition from CB to graduate school. Transitions can be overwhelming and complex, especially when it comes to financial challenges. Having access to the Next Step Fund and the support from my colleagues at CB gave me the confidence to pursue my next career path. Since leaving CB, I’ve earned a Master’s degree in Sport and Performance Psychology, started a private practice, and am now in the final stages of completing my doctorate in Counseling Psychology. Funds like these offer invaluable support for dancers who wish to engage in career transitions requiring additional education or relocation. Please consider donating to support CB’s dancers when they retire from the stage! 

- Arianna Shimits 

I had the greatest pleasure of being invited to collaborate with my dear friend, Jeremy Studinski, on his very successful choreographic project. I was commissioned to not only design but also construct costumes for Jeremy’s work ‘New Lease (On Life)’ for Fancy Footwork’s 2024 performances. The process was very involved much like any huge production in the art community. We spoke months in advance on what the concept would be and how the overall look for his piece will be. Jeremy provided me with characters, and a very detailed synopsis in which I was able to contribute my thoughts for creating the costumes seen in his work. Even with the change in casting and time restrictions the wonderful wardrobe members of Colorado Ballet were more than helpful in making everything come together for the final product. It is always wonderful to see one’s work come to life with so much talent involved (the dancers, musicians, lighting designers and obviously the choreographer… of and me) I would love to be apart of this experience again.

- Jaime Orrego